1. Organic Production On The Acreage
Small scale production of organic vegetables, livestock and other crops is becoming more popular each year with acreage owners as well as farmers market producers. This program will be an overview of organic production. We'll be discussing vegetables, livestock and other crops, along with basic production, marketing opportunities and how to become certified as an organic producer.
Organic Production On The Acreage, the final program in the fall 2007 Rural Living Clinic series, will be held on the following dates:
Live Presentations:
November 8, 7-9 p.m., UNL Extension Lancaster County , 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln
November 15, 7-9 p.m., UNL Extension Douglas/Sarpy County, 8015 W. Center Road, Omaha
Adobe Connect Presentation:
Saturday, November 10, 9-11 a.m.
- UNL Extension Dodge County , 1206 W. 23 rd Street, Fremont
- UNL Extension Hall County, 3180 W. Hwy 34, Grand Island
- UNL Extension Platte County , 2610. 14 th Street, Columbus
Pre-registration is $10 per person, and must be received 3 working days before the program. Late registration is $15 per person. Program brochure
For more information visit the Acreage & Small Farm Insights web site at http://acreage.unl.edu, or contact Sarah Browning, (402) 727-2775, sbrowning2@unl.edu
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2. Alternative Agriculture is the Focus of Acreage E-News
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
The November Acreage E-News is focusing on the topic of Alternative Agriculture, which can be defined as agricultural enterprises out of the norm that are common in our area.
Traditional agriculture in Nebraska looks at such commodity crops and livestock as corn and soybeans, along with cattle and hogs.
Alternative agriculture goes way beyond these traditional crops and can include any kind of crop or livestock that can be grown in our region, ranging from the production of pasture-raised poultry to the development of vineyards for grapes, production of vegetables for local consumption, or development of organically grown produce.
Marketing is also a very important aspect of alternative agriculture. Producers of these products normally cannot take them to the local elevator to sell. Instead they have to use a variety of means of marketing their crops. Hence, marketing is the major emphasis of this newsletter.
Alternative agriculture is often associated with sustainable agriculture concepts, although it does not have to be. Marketing of these products certainly is improved if the producer can say that they are locally grown, organically grown, or naturally grown.
We hope that you will enjoy this focus in the November newsletter.
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3. Community Supported Agriculture- A New Direct Marketing Tool
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
A new method of direct marketing vegetable produce is slowly coming into practice in the Midwest. Although common on both coasts, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is just coming into its own here in Nebraska and the Midwest. It is a system where both gardeners and consumers benefit. Most often these farms are certified organic or higher, and support sustainable agriculture programs.
According to a publication from The Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC), CSAs consist of a group of consumers who support a farm operation by purchasing shares in the farming operation. These shares are generally purchased prior to the growing season so that the farmer can cover the anticipated costs for planting and growth of the vegetable crop. By direct sales to consumers, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.
In return, the consumers receive a portion of the crop throughout the growing season in the form of weekly bags of produce. With this, consumers gain satisfaction from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. They also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvest due to unfavorable weather or pests.
In many CSAs, consumers participate in growing and harvesting of the crops. Often the farm family holds festivals or cooking schools for their members to demonstrate how to prepare the vegetables grown for consumption. They will often work with other farmers in the area to provide a larger selection of products for their members.
In a March 2002 survey of 144 CSA operators, an attempt was made to collect descriptive information on the operations and farmers, as well as data on finances and labor. Surveys were sent to CSA farms located in the North Central Region, including Nebraska. An example of the results shows that:
- The typical upper Midwestern CSA farmer is 45 years old and has 14 years of farming experience.
- The farmer and his or her partner are likely to be college graduates.
- Primary motivations to start a CSA operation were environmental and social values.
- Each farm, on average, serves 33 members and membership has increased by 350 percent since start-up.
- The average CSA farmer has just over 30 acres including the CSA operation.
- When determining share price, most CSA farmers consider what they believe to be consumer’s willingness to pay rather than the market price for their products.
- Family members often provide a majority of the labor – doing 75 to 100 percent of the CSA work.
- Average net return per acre for these CSA farmers is $2,467. This figure is quite high when compared to return per acre of corn ($172.00), soybeans ($134.00) and wheat ($38.00) in the United States.
- Nearly all (97%) of the respondents claim to be completely satisfied or satisfied most of the time with their CSA operation.
More statistical information can be found in “Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the Midwest United States: A regional Characterization” (2005) Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.
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4. Nebraska Food Cooperative Provides Direct Marketing of Produce
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
Are you interested in gardening or the production of other food products, but are concerned about the marketing of these products? A co-op may help solve your problem. The Nebraska Food Cooperative is a marketing and distribution service designed to improve market access for farmer producers and local food access for consumers. By doing so, the cooperative brings together producers and consumers who care about the land, share an enjoyment of simple food, and seek equitable relationships.
As a producer, why should I join the Nebraska Food Cooperative? According to the Cooperative Web Page, there are a number of reasons. Some of these include:
- Your farm will retain its identity. Your products, tomatoes for example, will be marketed as coming from your farm. The cooperative may sell tomatoes from 12 different farmers, but the consumer chooses which tomatoes they purchase based on quality, price and/or customer-farmer relationships.
- You set your own prices for all of your products.
- You benefit from the marketing activities of the Nebraska Food Cooperative.
- The cooperative operates in a market area with over 1,000,000 consumers.
- You reduce the time and cost of marketing and distributing your products to consumers.
- You work alongside other producers and consumers from across the state to increase the awareness, availability and quality of local foods.
As a consumer, why should I join and buy my food through the Nebraska Food Cooperative?
- You gain access to a reasonably priced, wide variety of safe, fresh, frozen, and processed food and non-food products grown and/or produced in Nebraska.
- You can shop product offerings, such as meat, from multiple producers to compare prices, types, and the production practices used by each producer to find a product that meets your needs.
- You gain access to foods free from growth hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms.
- You learn new ways to prepare food including many new delicious recipes.
- You get to know the people who produce your food. There is a story behind every product the cooperative offers.
The Cooperative's initial target service area is the eastern one-third of Nebraska. However, wherever sufficient numbers of members exist within the state, that area has the potential to be served by the Cooperative.
Visit the Nebraska Food Cooperative for information on membership, for both consumers and producers.
Nebraska Food Cooperative
P.O. Box 94691
Lincoln, NE 68509-4691
(800)993-2379
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5. Farmer's Markets- A Good Way to Buy or Sell Fresh Produce
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
Farmers’ Markets are growing quickly in Nebraska as well as throughout the United States. In Nebraska, there are over 70 Farmers’ Markets that are registered with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. That number is increasing dramatically as farmers, as well as consumers, find that Farmers’ Market are a good way to sell or buy the freshest produce.
Farmers’ Markets vary in size ranging from very large markets, such as those in the Old Market Area in Omaha and Haymarket Square in Lincoln, to smaller community Farmers’ Markets found throughout Nebraska. The products being sold also varies according to the farmers providing the produce. One thing common to all markets, is that their produce is locally grown and fresh.
According to Wikipedia, the free on-line encyclopedia, products at Farmers' Markets are renowned for being locally-grown and very fresh. Proponents of Farmers' Markets reason that since locally-grown produce does not travel as far to get to your table, the difference in mileage saves fossil fuels, allows farmers to pick produce at the peak of flavor, and preserves the nutritional content of fresh produce.
Farmers' Markets often feature produce that is grown naturally or organically, meats that are raised humanely on pasture, handmade farmstead cheeses, eggs and poultry from free-range fowl, as well as heirloom produce and heritage breeds of meat and fowl. Again, each Farmers’ Market will be different depending upon the farmers selling the goods.
Farmers' Market advocates believe the markets help farmers stay in business as well as preserve natural resources. Wholesale prices farmers get for their produce are very low, often near the cost of production. Farmers who sell direct to the public without going through a middle man get a better price for their produce. It can be shown that the preservation of farmland is important for the health of the environment and water supply. Sustainably-managed farms conserve soil and clean water in our communities and provide a habitat for wildlife, according to the American Farmland Trust.
In the U.S. and Canada, Farmers' Markets have skyrocketed in popularity due in part to the increased interest in healthier foods, a greater desire to preserve local types of cultivars or livestock and an increased understanding of the importance of maintaining small, sustainable farms on the fringe of urban environments.
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6. Sustainable Agriculture- What Does It Mean?
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
There are many definitions of sustainable agriculture depending upon who is doing the defining. John Ikerd, a retired Ag Economist from the University of Missouri, is quoted as saying that sustainable systems are “capable of maintaining their productivity and usefulness to society indefinitely. Such systems...must be resource-conserving, socially supportive, commercially competitive, and environmentally sound”.
According to the USDA, “the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long run:
- Satisfy human food and fiber needs
- Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends
- Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
- Sustain the economic viability of farm operations
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole
As an example of sustainable agriculture practices, a field crop farmer might plant different crops each season that would include “cover crops”. Cover crops are non-cash crops grown for their benefit to the soil, ability to suppress weeds, break up pest cycles, improve soil fertility and cut costs. In a sustainable system, a fruit grower might try a new approach to selling her harvest, such as directly to restaurants in a nearby city to gain a larger share of the consumer dollar.
To develop a sustainable agriculture system there is no one recipe for all, no one practice that works in every field. There are literally a thousand ways to farm sustainably.
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7. Information Avenues for Sustainable Agriculture
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides funding for three major programs that offer sustainable agriculture information and assistance. Whether you are a farmer or an educator seeking more information about sustainable agriculture in general, about a specific crop, or help with a specific problem, these programs can help.
A. Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) Program - This is the outreach program for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education or (SARE) program. As such, it provides field-ready information in print and electronic formats. The SAN program publishes books, bulletins and online resources highlighting SARE-funded project results and other innovative research. Most of SAN’s information is available free online. Print copies of SAN publications can be purchased using the SARE WebStore or by telephone, fax or mail. Visit the SAN Publications for further information.
B. Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) - This program focuses on topics related to sustainable and alternative agriculture systems, crops and livestock. AFSIC focuses on library services including locating, accessing, organizing and distributing information related to many aspects of alternative agriculture. Some of the topics include:
- Sustainable and regenerative crop and livestock farming systems
- Ecological pest management
- Renewable energy options for farms
- Direct marketing practices and community food systems
- Organic production, certification and marketing
- Crop and livestock diversification enterprises.
Visit the AFSIC web site for more information.
C. Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) - Although this program in under a serious, but temporary, budget restraint at the current time, the program provides answers to questions about specific farming practices and innovative marketing approaches, including organic production. It is for farmers, agricultural professionals, and educators.
Some of the ATTRA resources include:
- 200+ free publications on farming and marketing
- Website with daily brief updates
- Specialized responses to sustainable agriculture questions
- Speakers for workshops and conferences
- Free bi-monthly newsletter and weekly e-newsletter.
Although the budget crunch has severely limited these resources at this time, it is expected that many of these services will be restored when Congress completes its budget work. Visit the ATTRA web site for more information.
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8. Revitalizing Warm Season Pastures
By Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Educator
Do you have native, warm-season pastures? If so, are they becoming overrun with cool-season plants? According to Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist, cheatgrass, downy brome, bluegrass, smooth brome and other cool-season plants have invaded many warm season grass pastures and rangeland. This invasion shifts good grazing away from summer and towards springtime when most folks have plenty of pasture anyway.
Cool-season grasses take over summer pastures relatively easily because they develop rapidly during fall and spring when native grass provides little competition. Then, they use moisture and nutrients during spring before warm-season plants have a chance to use them.
Fortunately, several tools can revitalize warm-season grasses and reduce pressure from brome and bluegrass.
Hard grazing in late fall after a freeze and in early spring, as well as prescribed spring burning, will weaken brome and bluegrass when warm-season plants are dormant and unaffected. An even faster approach is to apply glyphosate herbicides like Roundup now, in late fall after a hard freeze, when weedy cool-season grasses still are green but warm-season grasses are dormant and will not be affected by the herbicide. Recent weather is making this fall ideal for use of herbicides, with cold nighttime temperatures to turn warm-season grasses inactive. By reducing competition, warm-season plants will grow more vigorously and provide better summer pasture.
Don’t settle for invaded warm-season grasses. Transform them back to vigorous warm-season grasses for better summer grazing.
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9. Natural Needle Drop in Pines and Spruce Trees
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
Are you losing interior needles of your pine and spruce trees? According to University of Nebraska Extension Educator Jim Peterson, the Extension office receives a number of calls each fall regarding the “death” of their pine trees because the interior needles are dropping. Pine wilt disease is often blamed for this untimely demise.
No, it is not pine wilt disease this time. Instead it is the natural drop of interior needles of the trees. The needles turn yellow then brown and drop readily from the branches. Pine trees can hold their needles for 2-5 or more years, depending on the species. Spruce trees generally hold onto their needles longer than pine trees do, approximately 5-7 years. Naturally, this needle drop is most noticeable in pines.
Pine wilt disease certainly is in this area, but it is a very quick acting disease that will kill the tree in a month to six weeks. Generally, the whole tree will turn brown, but it can go from branch to branch until the tree is dead. The whole branch is killed affecting both the new and older needles of the tree.
One evergreen tree that is very noticeable as it loses its needles in the fall is Eastern White Pine. This tree only holds its needles for two years which leaves less growth at the tip of branches to hide the needles as they are shed. Combined with the soft texture and open structure of the Eastern White Pine this makes fall needle shed easily seen.
Fall needle drop is a natural condition and is not a sign of disease or insect infestation. However, any factor that increases stress on evergreen trees will intensify the autumn needle drop. Stress factors include drought, herbicide injury, root damage and insect or disease damage.
Needle drop occurs only on the inner needles. If entire branches or needles at the tips of branches are dying, then something else is happening. A sample of the affected branches should be submitted to your local UNL Extension Office for diagnosis. A close inspection of any brown foliage should also be done to eliminate the presence of fungal leaf spots, spider mites, aphids or other potential pest problems.
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10. Inspect Your Acreage For Tree Decay
By John Fech, UNL Extension Educator
Decay - it comes in many forms. If you think about it, just about everything decays - fallen leaves, that chicken salad sandwich in the back of your frig, your teeth.... The only thing worse than tooth decay is tree decay. If some of the trees on your acreage are looking a bit shaggy, look a little closer - they may be a little worse off than you think.
What Causes Decay?
Storm damage, mower blight, weak branch angles - any action that breaks a limb or damages the bark can cause decay. When the bark is broken, inner sapwood and heartwood tissues are exposed. Once exposed, these tissues are no longer protected from infection from decay organisms. The organisms are generally considered to be ubiquitous, ever present in sufficient quantity to cause decay. Once the protective bark is broken, spores are carried in through wind and splashing rainstorms, and decay begins.
Decay is a slow and steady process. As you might expect, hardwood trees such as walnut, hickory and red oak are more resistant to decay than softer wooded species like silver maple, poplar and cottonwood. Decay progresses at a faster pace with soft woods that are surrounded by warm and humid weather conditions.
Site Inventory and Inspection
So, how do you know if your trees are decaying? The best way to find out is through a site inventory. Start by identifying older, soft wooded trees and inspect them. Just like with people, the older a tree is, the more susceptible to decay it is. Look closely for decay entry points - torn/broken limbs, mower gouged trunks, etc.
Unfortunately, it's not easy to tell if a tree has internal decay. It's not like a broken leg that can be X-rayed or examined through Magnetic Resonance Imaging. (Actually, such a tree inspection device exists, the Resistograph, but they cost about $5,000 each and can be quite difficult to use.) The best device to determine what’s on the inside of a tree trunk or branch is a little lower tech than the Resistograph; a screwdriver. I’ve found that the best model is the one that comes in a 14 piece set that never gets used because it’s the largest one, and you just don’t have screws that big. I’ve checked many a tree with my trusty Craftsmen slotted screwdriver. Another useful tool is a larger version of the same device, a sharpened piece of ree-bar. You might also have access to broken golf clubs, which could be easily adapted. A bonus to using a modified golf club is that it’s easy to manipulate because it already has a grip on it.
Probe the tree with the sharpened end of your favorite tool. Entry points are often soft and punky on the outside, with the decay extending into the tree for several inches. Probe each suspected area of infection, pushing hard to determine the extent of the decay. A good threshold for whether a limb should be removed or a tree left to stand on the acreage is the ratio of solid wood to soft wood. If more than a third of the internal heart and sapwood is decayed, then the branch or trunk is suspect and should be considered for removal.
Hire it Done
You may need to hire a consulting arborist to provide assistance with diagnosis. When it comes to hiring an arborist, think in terms of three general categories of expertise. Each provides a valuable service. Choose according to the need at hand.
- Yard Services or unlicensed arborists- Perform various tasks such as debris removal, lower limb removal and stump grinding.
- Licensed Arborists - prune, fertilize and control pests on trees. Have passed an examination by the local municipality to document a basic level of proficiency. Usually have liability insurance, are bonded and have first aid/CPR training.
- Certified Arborists - all of the above as for licensed arborists, except usually have received additional training in cabling, bracing and pest diagnosis. The certification is through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the state arborists association. The certification process is similar to the CPA certification process in many ways.
Preventing Decay
Once decay is established in a tree, there are no effective control measures - either to stop it or to limit its spread. Sure, you can cut an infected limb off, but in so doing, a larger wound is usually created, and a bigger opening for future decay. When I was first learning my trade, lots of “tree surgeons” routinely painted cuts and wounds with tar, spackle and various wound dressings to keep decay organisms out. While such a treatment would be helpful it if actually was effective, sadly, it is not. Unfortunately, scores of University and Forest Service studies have concluded that these products do not prevent decay, and in some cases, actually enhance it. Occasionally, (and regretfully) I still see uninformed arborists that engage in this practice.
Because decay is not treatable, every step should be taken to prevent it. Any action that injures a tree is likely to cause decay. Consider all landscape maintenance procedures for their impact on tree health and vigor. Become knowledgeable of proper tree maintenance. Many opportunities for continuing education exist through the UNL Acreage Team.
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11. Lady Beetles Are Topic of University of Nebraska Publication
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
Farmers, gardeners, and amateur naturalists can better understand and identify lady beetles found in Nebraska through the new UNL Extension publication, Lady Beetles of Nebraska (EC 1790). Hard copes are available at your local UNL Extension Office.
This publication contains high quality color photos of the common Nebraska Lady Bug.
Lady beetles, according to Robert Wright, UNL Extension Entomology specialist, are some of the most noticeable and popular insects found in the garden, the landscape and farm. Lady beetles are in the family Coccinellidae, of which nearly all members are predatory beneficial insects.
Most lady beetles are recognizable by their black-on-red spotted pattern and hemispherical shape. Lady beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, having egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. Both larvae and adults feed voraciously on aphids, mealybugs and other soft-bodied insects. They may also feed on insects eggs and plant pollen.
Lady beetles can play an important role in biological control of pest insects in the home garden, landscape and farm. Recognizing the different species found in Nebraska is an important first step toward conserving these important insect natural enemies.
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12. Managing Fruit Flies
By Barb Ogg, UNL Extension Educator
If you bring garden produce into your kitchen, you may get fruit flies. Fruit flies are tiny, honey-colored flies with reddish eyes. They breed in overly ripe vegetables and fruit.
Once inside, fruit flies will emerge from your vegetables and will lay eggs on fruit on the counter, in food debris in your garbage disposal or garbage can. They can also breed in a rotted potato or onion. Do you recycle cans? Liquid from pop, beer or wine can produce fruit flies.
Fruit flies are attracted to processes associated with fermentation and breed in decaying fruits and vegetables. In the fermentation process, yeasts act on sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. Researchers at University of California-Berkeley found fruit flies are actually attracted to the carbon dioxide (CO2) released during the fermentation process, not the alcohol.
The key to managing fruit flies is to locate and eliminate breeding sources. Once you do this, it can still take a couple weeks to get rid of all the flies that will eventually die a natural death. To speed this up, try using a simple, inexpensive fruit fly trap. What attractant should you use? We know fermenting liquids will attract fruit flies, but most of us don’t want to brew beer or ferment fruit in our kitchen just to get rid of flies. Instead, use yeast.
Simple Yeast Trap for Fruit Flies
- Use a one-pint glass jar. Add 1/4 - 1/3 cup of warm (not boiling) water. Sprinkle a package of activated dry yeast over the water. Add one teaspoon of sugar to activate the yeast. Swirl the yeast liquid. In a few minutes, the sugar will cause the yeast to foam and expand and start producing CO2.
- Take a small plastic bag (like a sandwich Baggie®) and place over the mouth of the jar with one corner reaching into the jar.
- Poke a small hole (no more than 1/8-inch diameter) in the corner of the bag with a pencil.
- Secure the bag around the rim with a rubber band or canning ring.
This trap will immediately begin attracting flies, which will crawl down the plastic, through the hole and into the jar. Once captured, most of them will be unable to find their way back out. Fruit flies tend to be active during the daytime, so make sure your trap is on the counter during the day.
Some captured female fruit flies will lay eggs, which hatch into maggots. These maggots will feed on the yeast liquid in the bottom of the jar. At 77 degrees F, it will take about one week for fruit flies to develop through three maggot stages, pupate and produce a second generation of adult flies. (At 70 degrees F, this life cycle will take about 10 days.) Once they are mature, the maggots will crawl up the inside of the jar to pupate. At this point, it will take less than a day for them to emerge. Most of these second generation flies will be unable to find their way out of the trap, but to prevent any escapees, you may want to dump the contents of the yeast trap. Once a week should be often enough. If you dump the contents in the sink, flush the pipe with water for a minute to make sure larvae are flushed into the sewer system. If you still have fruit flies, you'll need to make a new yeast trap.
If the flies you have don't seem to be interested in the trap, you may have a different species of fly and will need to consult your local UNL Extension office for identification.
People who have used these traps have been amazed at how fast they work.
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13. Controlling House Mice
By Stephen Vantassel, UNL Extension Wildlife Project Coorinator
Now that the cold winds are beginning to blow in Nebraska, many homeowners are struggling with mice problems, or soon will be, as mice begin looking for a warm place for the winter.
Homeowners typically become aware of mouse activity after discovering droppings. Seeing mouse droppings in the living space is a LATE sign of a developing problem. It means the mice have run out of room in the walls. House mice deposit approximately 50 to 75 pellets per day as they explore their environment. Mouse droppings usually do not collect in piles. Droppings average 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length with one or both ends narrowing to a point. On rare occasions the droppings will appear round. The droppings are usually black in color, but will vary according to the mouse’s diet.
Fresh gnaw marks, 1/32 inch wide, provide another clue that mice are present. Mice typically gnaw 1 1/2 inch diameter, clean-cut holes into cardboard and similar products. They will also gnaw electrical wiring, soap, and other soft items. Mouse nests, made from finely shredded paper or other fibrous material, are often found in sheltered locations.
Occasionally, scratching and squeaking sounds emanate from ceilings and walls, signifying the presence of mice. People are frequently surprised to learn that mice can be responsible for so much noise. Mice scurrying across the attic floor can sound pretty loud to those sitting in the room below.
For information on controlling mice, the following publications are a great place to start:
Controlling House Mice, http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/g1105.pdf
Bait Stations For Controlling Rats And Mice, http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/g1646.pdf
Or visit the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, http://icwdm.org/
For additional information contact:
Stephen Vantassel
Phone: (402) 472-8961
Email: svantassel2@unl.edu
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14. Backyard Wildlife: The Fundamentals of Successful Cage Trapping
By Stephen Vantassel, UNL Extension Wildlife Project Coorinator
The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, http://icwdm.org, is pleased to announce the availability of “Backyard Wildlife: The Fundmanetals of Successful Cage Trapping.” This professionally produced DVD details trap selection, common cage-trapping mistakes, trapping safety, baiting theory, trap location, trapping without bait, trapping techniques, and releasing skunks. Instruction is provided by Stephen Vantassel who has over ten years of cage trapping experience.
Available for purchase online at the ICWDM Store, or from your local UNL Extension office. Time 68 minutes, $14.95 plus S + H.
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15. SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants Available, Information DVD Can Offer Help
By Jim Peterson, UNL Extension Educator
Farmers and ranchers who want to improve their operations through on-farm research, demonstrations or other educational projects can apply for the 2007 North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Farmer/Rancher grants.
The grants provide funds ranging from $6,000 per individual family to $18,000 for three families or more and encourage the use of sustainable agriculture methods in today's farming environment. Grant proposals are due in the NCR-SARE office at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3.
The NCR-SARE grants are awarded based on the applicants' ability to describe how their project will be sustainable in terms of having long-term profitability, being good for the environment, producing healthy foods and being socially responsible.
In 2006, Nebraska had four successful grant proposals receiving funding.
One past project involved Lincoln area families using a SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant to learn about and develop artisan cheeses. Through the program, the families were able to develop several cheese varieties using both goat and dairy milk. The cheeses now are successfully sold at farmers markets and directly from on-farm sales.
Other past projects have included pest and disease management, soil conservation, local marketing, public education, waste management, agro-tourism, crop diversity and more.
This year, farmers and ranchers throughout the north central region will have the opportunity to apply for roughly $400,000 in grant assistance. The 12 states that comprise the north central region are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
To assist potential applicants, Wyatt Fraas of the Center for Rural Affairs and Jim Peterson, UNL extension educator and Nebraska coordinator of the SARE program, collaborated to develop a DVD. The DVD is available for loan at local UNL Extension offices.
The DVD offers a complete explanation of the Farmer and Rancher Grant, information on how to apply, examples of successful applications and comments from a former grant evaluator. It also offers a PowerPoint presentation and examples to download to a computer.
Application forms and more information, including tips on applying for this grant, are available on the Web at http://ncr.sare.org/prod.htm or by contacting Jim Peterson at the Washington County Extension office in Blair at (402) 426-9455, e-mail jpetersm@unlnotes.unl.edu or Joan Benjamin at UNL's SARE office at (402) 472-0809, e-mail jbenjamin2@unlnotes.unl.edu.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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16. Acreage Insights: Rural Living Clinics Continue November 8
The University of Nebraska- Lincoln Extension presents a series of programs, entitled Acreage Insights- Rural Living Clinics, targeting acreage owners and specifically designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills to better manage their rural living environment.
This fall programs will be presented using a combination of traditional live speakers and programs utilizing distance technology.
| Dates |
Program |
| Nov. 8, 10 & 15 |
Organic Production On The Acreage- Small scale production of organic vegetables, livestock and other crops is becoming more popular each year with acreage owners as well as farmers market producers. This program will be an overview of organic production. We'll be discussing vegetables, livestock and other crops, along with basic production, marketing opportunities and how to become certified as an organic producer. |
Pre-registration is required three working days before each program. Advanced registration is $10.00 per person, and $15.00 per person at the door. Program brochure
For more information visit the Acreage & Small Farm Insights web site at http://acreage.unl.edu, or contact Don Janssen, (402) 441-7180, djanssen2@unl.edu or Sarah Browning, (402) 727-2775, sbrowning2@unl.edu
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17. Experience the Power of Red, November 3
Please join us for "Experience the Power of Red", UNL's College of Agriculture and Natural Resource's annual open house. The event will be held on Saturday, November 3 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on East Campus.
During the open house, you will have an opportunity to:
- Experience East Campus
- Explore career opportunities
- Meet current students
- Interact with deans, faculty and staff
- Learn more about our 27 programs and two pre-professional programs
- Register for a scholarship and other cool prizes
- Connect with other future students
To learn more about the open house download this brochure for more information.
Details are also available at the CASNR web site:
http://casnr.unl.edu/ProspectiveStudents/OpenHouse
For more information contact:
Laura Frey, College Relations Director
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
103 Agricultural Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0702
(402) 472-4445 or (800) 742-8800 (ext. 2541)
lfrey2@unl.edu
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18. 2007 Winery & Grape Growers Workshop, November 3
Our featured speaker is Kevin Ker, work-renowned viticulture specialist from Brock University and the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. He has assisted numerous grape growers in the areas of vine nutrition and health; site evaluations and assessments; vine hardiness, vineyard design, including GPS mapping; grape pest management and vineyard economics. He has also specialized in study of the Multi-colored Asian Lady Beetle.
On-line registration available
Date: November 3
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Holiday Inn Downtown, Lincoln, NE
Cost: Members $69, Non-members $79, At Door $95
For more information contact:
Donna Michel
(402) 472-8747
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19. The Nebraska Horse Conference, November 6 & 27
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln horse satellite conference Nov. 6 and 27 will help horse enthusiasts and others learn more about current horse industry issues and opportunities in the horse industry.
The Nebraska Horse Conference, hosted by UNL's Department of Animal Science and Extension, will be broadcast from 7-8:30 p.m. at seven downlink sites.
4-H and FFA youth, students, adults who work with youth, extension staff and equine enthusiasts can all benefit from this conference, said Kathy Anderson, UNL Horse Specialist.
"Participants will learn everything from the challenges that face today's horse industry to how they can become more involved in the horse industry," Anderson said.
In addition, participants also will be able to find out what career opportunities are available and how UNL can help prepare them for that career.
The conference will be hosted on UNL's East campus, so those in the Lincoln area can attend at Chase Hall. Downlink locations include:
- Chase Hall, UNL's East Campus, Lincoln
- Seward County Extension Office, Seward
- Central Extension Office, Omaha, 80th and Center streets
- Holt County Extension Office, O'Neill
- Buffalo County Extension Office, Kearney
- Thayer County Courthouse Clubroom, Hebron
- West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, 402 W. State Farm Rd.
"Participants will be able to get answers to their questions from many segments of Nebraska's horse industry," Anderson said.
Speakers include Anderson; Rick Adkins, Quarter Horse Association of Nebraska president; Vicky Sich, Nebraska Horse Council secretary; Mike Hershberger, CPA; Kelly Stich, DVM, Jim Brinkman, quarter horse breeder; Dave Anderson, thoroughbred trainer; Jamee Admundson-Folmer, dressage trainer; Lindsey Salestrom, current College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources student; and more.
For more information or to register, contact:
Kathy Anderson
(402) 472-6414
kanderson1@unl.edu |
Anita Ferrell
(402) 472-0204
aferrell2@unl.edu |
Kathy Potthoff
(402) 472-9021
kpotthoff1@unl.edu |
The Nebraska Horse Conference, http://www.animalscience.unl.edu/extension/equine/horseconf.html
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20. My Horse University Presents "Hay Selection", November 13
My Horse University, a national online program based at Michigan State University, is proud to sponsor free live web presentations given by experts in the fields of equine science and veterinary medicine. These events cover topics that are important to you and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Please join us!
| Date |
Time |
Program |
| Nov. 13 |
7 p.m. EDT |
Hay Selection |
| Dec. 6 |
7 p.m. EDT |
Developing a Breeding Program |
| Jan. 16 |
7 p.m. EDT |
Conditioning Your Horse for the Show Season |
| Feb. |
date & time TBA |
Reducing Risks on the Horse Farm |
| March |
date & time TBA |
All About Vaccines |
| May |
date & time TBA |
The Unwanted Horse |
November 13, Hay Selection- When it comes to selecting the right hay for your horse, green is good. However, that is not the only selection factor. This presentation will help horse owners learn about the other factors that go into choosing the right hay for their horses. This presentation will also include information on pricing, storage, and hay waste. Presenter: Matt Shane, Michigan State University Livestock Educator
Register online, http://www.eventpresenter.com/msu/
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21. Nebraska Arborist Association- Arborist School, November 14-16
Professional Training for Tree & Landscape Professionals! |
These educational training courses are designed to assist the horticulture professional to increase their knowledge in the area of arboriculture, and prepare for certification as a Nebraska Certified Arborist.
- Arborists Seminar, Wednesday - Friday, November 14 - 16, 2007
(16.0 CEUs available)
Location: All events will be held at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center in Gretna, NE. Please review the registration brochure for event details.
For more information contact:
Nebraska Arborists Association
Phone: (402) 476-3865
Web site: www.nearborists.org
Email: naa@assocoffice.net
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22. Alternative Energy for Home, Farm and Acreages, December 6
Plan to attend this free seminar on Alternative Energy for Home, Farm and Acreage on Thursday, December 6th, from 1-5 p.m., at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center headquarters near Mead, NE.
Topics and Presenters:
- Energy Conservation In Homes and Buildings, by Shirley Niemeyer, UNL Housing and Environment Specialist
- Small Wind, Solar, and Photovoltaics for Home or Business, by John Dixon, Dixon Power Systems
- Net Metering for Renewable Electricity, by Rich Andrysik, Lincoln Electric Systems
- Ethanol and Biodiesel Blends, by Loren Isom, UNL Industrial Ag Products Center
- Modern Methane Production, by Crystal Powers, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
For more information contact:
John Hay
UNL Biological Systems Engineering
(402) 472-0408
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